3.2.5.

1 Aircraft Firefighting Operations

YOUR ORGANIZATION
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES/GUIDELINES

TITLE: Aircraft Firefighting Operations SECTION/TOPIC: Special Fire Suppression

NUMBER: 3.2.5.1 ISSUE DATE:
REVISED DATE:
PREPARED BY: APPROVED BY:

X X
Preparer Approver

These SOPs/SOGs are based on FEMA guidelines FA-197

1.0 POLICY REFERENCE

CFR
NFPA
NIMS

2.0 PURPOSE

This standard operating procedure/guideline addresses responding to and operating at fire

suppression incidents involving aircraft.

This procedure identifies guidelines and safety requirements for the use of helicopters for brush fire
fighting water drop operations.

3.0 SCOPE

This SOP/SOG pertains to all personnel in this organization.

4.0 DEFINITIONS

These definitions are pertinent to this SOP/SOG.

5.0 PROCEDURES/GUIDELINES & INFORMATION

SOP Center
CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE/GUIDELINE
SPECIAL FIRE SUPPRESSION – 3.2.5.1 AIRCRAFT FIREFIGHTING OPERATIONS
DATE APPROVED
PAGE 2 of 3

5.1 Responding to and operating at fire suppression incidents involving aircraft:

The Department has arranged for water drop fire fighting services with a local helicopter service. The
helicopter has the capability of applying 120 gallons of water per drop. The drop can be from a hover
to concentrate on a specific hot spot or by a running pass over a fire area at varying speeds and
altitudes. The speed and altitude of the helicopter will change the length and width of the water drop
as well as the water concentration on the fire area. More than one helicopter is available for support
if needed. Average flying time per fuel load is 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

REQUEST FOR WATER DROP SUPPORT

When requesting air support, Command must identify the location of the fire incident, and designate
a landing zone and the incident radio channel to be assigned to the helicopter. Command must also
assign an engine company to the landing zone.

LANDING ZONE
The landing zone for helicopters involved in water drop support must meet the following criteria:
• Be located near the fire incident but isolated from the Command Post, Rehab, or Staging Areas.
• The approach and departure paths to and from the landing zone must be free of obstructions for
one hundred yards in both directions.
• The landing approach and departure must be into the wind whenever possible.
• A hydrant must be located within the hose lay reach of an Engine Company.
• The landing area must be kept wet to minimize dust during landing and take-off.

HELICOPTER DEPLOYMENT
When Command requests helicopter support, Dispatch Services will notify the appropriate helicopter
service. Dispatch Services will request helicopter support in the following order:
1. Phoenix Police
2. Ranger 41
3. Private Enterprise Service

Dispatch Services will advise the helicopter service of the incident location, the landing zone
location, the fire unit identity at the landing zone, and the fire radio frequency assigned to the
incident. Dispatch Services will assign P.D. helicopter(s) a FIREBIRD radio designation (i.e. Firebird 1,
2 or 3, etc.) and advise the helicopter service of Command's radio designation (i.e., Mummy
Mountain Command). Dispatch Services will advise Command of the Firebird radio designation and
ETA to the scene.

HELICOPTER RESPONSE
The helicopter will provide Dispatch Services an ETA to the incident. On approach to the incident
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SOP Center
CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE/GUIDELINE
SPECIAL FIRE SUPPRESSION – 3.2.5.1 AIRCRAFT FIREFIGHTING OPERATIONS
DATE APPROVED
PAGE 3 of 3

area, the pilot will advise COMMAND of arrival on the assigned radio channel. It is important that the
pilot advise Command if the helicopter has a water load at that time or needs to fill up prior to
commitment. All radio communications from helicopters will be to COMMAND and the Landing Zone
Officer unless otherwise advised by Command.

HELICOPTER WATER TANK REFILL

Refill of the helicopter water tank will proceed as follows:

• A supply line from a hydrant must be available.

• Upon landing, crew members will approach the helicopter from the front of the helicopter or
at 45 degree angles to the front of the helicopter.
• Approach will be made when motioned by the pilot only.
• The tank must be re-armed prior to filling.
• Use of two hose lines from opposite sides of the tank will fill the tank quickly.
• Upon total refilling and re-arming, crews will withdraw from the helicopter by the same path
used to approach the helicopter, taking the hose lines with them.
• Once clear of the helicopter, and off to the sides, clearance for take-off will be at the direction
of the landing zone officer.

HELICOPTER SAFETY
• Landing zone personnel are to wear their orange safety vests.
• Do not approach the helicopter without pilot approval after landing.
• Always approach from front or 45 degree angles to the front.
• Keep all personnel and equipment AWAY FROM TAIL ROTOR.
• Keep spectators clear of the landing zone, as well as approach and departure paths.
• Remove any light objects or debris from landing area prior to the helicopter landing.
• Be aware that rotor wash from helicopters is very strong. Small objects and clothing (caps,
jackets, etc.) can be blown around easily.
• Wetting down the landing zone will minimize dust production.
• Eye and ear protection is required in landing zone
• Personnel in the water drop area must leave the area or take cover. The force of the water drop
can be severe, resulting in serious injuries.

PROGRESS REPORTING TO COMMAND

Progress reports on the effectiveness of water drops on the fire from Sectors to Command are
essential. Sectors will advise Command of the need for water drops and provide specific locations.
Unless otherwise directed by Command, Sectors and crews do not communicate directly with the
helicopter pilot.
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SOP Center